Postdoctoral Researcher - Research Software Engineer

Syracuse University; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Syracuse University is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher – Research Software Engineer to support the Open-Source Project Office (SU-OSPO) and Office of Research. The role focuses on building open-source software for research, developing educational materials, and exploring open-weight LLM applications.

The position is on-campus in Syracuse, NY, with in-person collaboration, mentoring of graduate students, and potential for renewal after the initial one-year appointment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in data science or related field is required.
• Experience developing research code in an open-source environment.
• Familiar with tools commonly used by the open-source community.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Vice President for Research and the OSPO Director to provide research software engineering support to faculty and staff.
• Develop tutorials and workshops on open-source methods and tools for the Syracuse University community.
• Provide technical support to the academic community for developing open-source software and using open-source tools.
• Engage with other OSPOs via our membership in CURIOSS and stay abreast of developments by attending conferences and meetings.
• Carry out research and publish in the candidate’s domain of expertise; preference for open-source software in their research.

Skills

Open-source software development

Research software engineering

Education

Ph.D. in data science or related field

Tools

Open-source tools

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher - Research Software Engineer

Job Title Postdoctoral Researcher - Research Software Engineer

Location

Campus

Commitment to On-Campus Experience

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range

Pay Range $65,000 - $70,000

Salary offers at Syracuse University will be based on education, experience, and relevant skills, as well as the academic or professional discipline of the position in the context of the home department, school, or college. Salary offers may also be influenced by prior relevant work or industry experience, where applicable. Faculty pay ranges are for 8.5 months’ salary unless otherwise specified.

FLSA Status

FLSA Status Exempt

Hours

University Hours

Job Type

Job Type Full-time

Rank

Rank Post Doc

Unionized Position Code PD

Job Description

The Syracuse University Open-Source Project Office (SU- OSPO ) and the Office of Research (OoR) is seeking a cohort of postdocs to provide research software engineering support to the university, and to oversee the scientific aspects of open-source software development on campus. The qualified candidates will assist the OSPO director and the Vice President of Research to:

• help faculty and staff build and maintain software for research and university operations, with a focus on developing open-source Claude skills;
• develop educational materials for the university community related to open-source development;
• oversee research in the use of open-weight LLMs;
• track the use of open source packages on campus;
• stay abreast of best practices in the open-source community.

The candidates are also encouraged to pursue their own research in their domain of expertise.

The position is supported by a grant from the Sloan Foundation. The initial appointment is for one year, subject to renewal.

This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by a union, SEIU Local 200 United.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Vice President for Research and the OSPO Director to provide research software engineering support to faculty and staff. This will involve managing student interns.
• Work with the OSPO director to develop tutorials and workshops on open-source methods and tools for the Syracuse University community.
• Provide technical support to the academic community for developing open-source software and using open-source tools.
• Engage with other OSPOs via our membership in CURIOSS and stay abreast of developments in the open-source community by attending conferences and other ad-hoc meetings.
• Carry out research and publish in the candidate’s domain of expertise. Preference will be given to candidates who develop open-source software in their own research.
• Mentor and collaborate with graduate students as a part of their research program.
• Other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in data science or other related field is required. Candidate must have experience developing research code in an open-source environment, and be familiar with tools commonly used by the open-source community.

Job Specific Qualifications

A Ph.D. in data science or other related field is required. Candidate must have experience developing research code in an open-source environment, and be familiar with tools commonly used by the open-source community.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

About the Syracuse area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.